Chapter Text
“What was your father’s middle name again?” Emma’s leg bounced nervously as she scrolled through the notes on her phone. “Bernard?”
“Phillip. Oh my God.” Regina shook her head. She was just as nervous as Emma sitting in the waiting room of the immigration department but she seemed to be controlling her physical symptoms better. “They probably won’t expect you to know that anyway.”
Emma rattled off a few more random questions while Regina half listened, with a hand on the blonde’s knee to calm her nerves.
“Case file #108.” A man with a large bushy mustache called from the desk in the front of the room.
They both stood and approached the desk and were promptly ushered through a large blue door behind it.
“My name is Agent Nolan and this is my partner Agent Deville. Mrs. Swan-Mills you can join me in this room here and your wife will be interviewed separately down the hall.
Emma’s eyes widened with panic, not realizing they would be separated. “Is...is there a problem?”
“No, no.” Agent Nolan smiled warmly at her. “I assure you it’s just standard protocol. Nothing to worry about.”
Emma and Regina were taken to separate locations where each told the story of how they met exactly how they had practiced it. Emma mentally ran through the notes she had studied so diligently and Regina answered question after question with cool confidence. Only a few times did Regina hesitate on a question running back things Emma had mentioned in her mind. The female Agent was brusque and business-like in her recording Regina’s responses and she just prayed that Emma was faring well against the warmer man. She had a nervous feeling that the good cop, bad cop routine was in play here.
“Your name is Regina Mills?”
“Swan-Mills.”
“Swan, yes. Well, Swan-Mills now, actually.”
“Of course.”
“She didn’t have a formal education.
Ran away from a foster home at the age of twelve”.
“She attended Boston University with a
concentration in creative writing
and journalism.”
“She has one self-published book of poems but
I think she’ll be a published novelist within the year.”
“Books. She loves all books.”
“She eats like a child.”
“She eats bird seed and sprouts and hates
chickpeas.” Agent Nolan laughed at
Emma's description of Regina's diet.
“She’s kind and fiercely protective and she
cares about others but doesn’t always show it.”
“She hums when she thinks and she’s sensitive.
She says she’s not, but that’s not true.
Very sensitive. And she’s smart and funny.”
“She makes me laugh. She’s had a hard life
but she understands how to give. She has
passion and fire that drive her to create beauty
with written words. She grounds me.”
“Alright then, Emma. Thank you. I’m sure that
just about does it. I just have a few more
final questions.” Agent Nolan smiled and
flipped the page of his notebook.
Can you tell me how tall your wife is?”
“Five-five.”
“Five-six.”
“She refuses to tell me.”
“132 pounds, give or take a couple.”
“She sleeps on the right.”
“On the left”
“Her toothbrush is purple.”
“Mine’s purple.”
"Her face cream?...It...smells horrible."
“La Mer.”
"Le Mari…something. Pureology?
I’m sorry I keep forgetting that one.”
Emma froze as Agent Nolan’s eyebrow quirked upward. “You forgot that one? Are you remembering all the other answers, Emma?” He didn’t wait for her to respond. “Can you tell me how well you know Nathan Gold?
Emma froze for a second and then blinked rapidly. “I… he’s just my boss. That’s all.”
“Mmm.” Nolan hummed and shuffled some papers staring at Emma’s middle finger which she had begun to absentmindedly drum on the desk. “Are you nervous, Emma?”
“I...no, I just…”
“Miss Swan, I would recommend you choose your next words carefully. I received an anonymous phone call this morning that indicates Nathan Gold, yourself and Miss Mills in a federal crime.”
So Richard had figured it out. The look on Nolan’s face made it clear lying further would be pointless. Emma’s face crumbled. “Please...it’s not her fault. You can arrest me, but please let her go. She didn’t do anything wrong.
********************
Walking out of the courthouse, Regina moved to slip her hand into Emma’s but she pulled it back and shoved it in her pocket instead. “Everything ok? I think we did well, no?”
“Yeah. I think it went great.” Emma smiled but turned her head so Regina couldn’t see it fade all too quickly on her face.
“I think you’re going to get your permanent green card now for sure. You won’t even have to worry about the work Visa.” Regina linked her arm through the crook of Emma’s elbow as they walked.
“Mmhm.” Emma kept her eyes on the ground as they walked.
“What’s wrong?” Regina pulled lightly on Emma’s arm to get her to look at her.
“Nothing. Nothing at all. So I’ll go collect my things and head out then. I have a meeting with Nathan this afternoon and then he’ll be setting me up in a studio apartment near the office.” Emma lied convincingly.
“I…” Regina dropped her hold on Emma’s arm. How could she have been so stupid? Of course Emma was going to leave. Last night had meant nothing. Just two people blowing off some pent-up frustration that’s all. She was an idiot to let herself believe Emma would…
“You probably can’t wait to have your couch back anyway.” Emma continued as Regina stiffened and mentally chastised her own stupidity.
This was a business deal from the beginning and that’s what it still was. It was done now anyway. She may have to clean up whatever mess Richard was going to make of this but she was confident she and Gold could shut him up. She cleared her throat and set her shoulders back.
“I’m sure you’ll find a nice place. However, I’d appreciate it if you could pick up your things in the morning. I have a luncheon date with someone and then I’ll be out tonight as well.” Regina lied for no reason at all other than she didn’t think she could make it all the way back to the apartment with Emma without falling apart like a fool.
“Oh.” Emma tried to hide her disappointment at Regina’s quick agreement to her leaving now even though she knew she had to do it this way. Regina didn’t have to know about the deal she made with Agent Nolan until she was already gone.
“Tomorrow is fine, I suppose. Unless you just want to throw my stuff in the hallway again for me to grab whenever.” Emma laughed at her own joke a little too loudly but Regina only managed a nod.
Regina took a deep breath and straightened her spine further. “Actually, pick them up whenever you want. I’ll leave them with Leroy.” Regina had stopped walking and faced Emma with as little expression on her face as possible. “Well then… You should get your green card within the week and then in a few months we can start the divorce. Have Nathan forward me your address so I’ll know where to send the papers.”
“Of course. As soon as possible.” Emma swallowed and met her gaze with similar veiled emotions. “I uh… I hope you get your library and your job and stuff and I’m sorry about--”
“Goodbye, Emma.”
“Yeah...bye.” They stood there looking at each other for a second, each waiting for the other to turn away first. Finally, Regina gave her a curt nod and stepped back turning to go. She got about ten steps away before her eyes slammed shut with relief, a slow smile spreading on her lips at the sound of her name being called.
“Regina! Wait!” Emma ran after her, grabbing her by the shoulder and spinning her around.
Regina turned with a grin. “Is there something I…?” The grin slipped from her face as fast as it had appeared. Emma stood there in front of her looking down at her hand. Regina watched as she slid the ring from her finger and took Regina’s wrist in her own, dropping the silver and purple band into her palm.
“Sorry, I almost forgot to give it back.” Emma nodded at her again and turned without another word, quickly disappearing into the sidewalk crowd while Regina stood there willing the hot tears that stung her eyes not to fall.
Moments later, around the corner Emma leaned against the brick wall of the corner pizza joint chest rising and falling heavily, tears streaming down her cheeks still holding the finger that felt so suddenly empty.
********************
Regina spent the day unable to accomplish anything. Ignoring calls from Neal, Ruby, and Nathan, fifteen texts that she couldn’t bring herself to read from her mother and one from Richard; she felt numb. She wanted to feel angry but couldn’t seem to muster it. There was nothing to be angry about. Her mother was right again, of course. She’d made a mess of things and now the fallout was on her. She just had to pray that Nathan would silence Richard if he thought he was going to tarnish their names in response to this.
Wandering down to the library didn’t help either. Everything in the apartment reminded her of Emma somehow and losing herself in the books wasn’t working either. It was late when she forced herself back upstairs and she sat staring out the window with a cup of tea in her hands wondering where Emma was spending the night.
A loud knock startled her out of her thoughts and she turned quickly to the door, her heart leaping in her chest. Emma! Sliding the lock, she threw open the door and stopped just short of throwing herself into the arms of Leroy who looked at her like she had almost attacked him.
“Um. Sorry to bother you Mrs. Swan-Mills. But Mrs. um, other Swan-Mills stopped by to pick up the suitcase you left with me earlier and asked me to give you this. Insisted I hand deliver it tonight.”
“Is she still here?” Regina looked over his head down the hall.
“No, Ma’am. She’s gone. Said something about Canada, I think. Another writer’s retreat?” Leroy handed a small envelope over as he spoke.
“What? No…I... Are you sure she said Canada?” Regina took the envelope slowly.
“Yup. Said she’d be going in the morning. Sounded like for a while. Hope you two are okay?” He quirked an eyebrow probing for gossip.
“We’re fine, Leroy. Thanks.” Regina turned away and closed the door in the little man’s face who harrumphed and walked away grumbling about ingrates.
Regina’s hands were shaking as she slid her finger along the flap of the envelope. It couldn’t be divorce papers already. It wasn’t thick enough, and it was too soon. Pulling the single sheet of paper free from its jacket she unfolded it carefully.
Teddy,
I know a girl who’s stronger than me.
She’s smart and brave and kind.
Her passion drives her forward in life,
And she lights a fire in my mind.
I know a girl who’s more beautiful than me.
The curves of her body set apart,
Her heart is gentle and warm and full
And that is just barely a start.
I know a girl who’s more talented than me.
Though it’s my job to create, not hers.
The problem is there aren’t enough words
To do her the justice she deserves.
Her eyes like chocolate embers, burning into mine.
Her skin like silk beneath my hands.
Her mouth like honey, tastes so sweet.
My body she commands.
My mind she owns with constant thought.
The crook of a finger and I surrender.
I know a girl who’s better than me,
And I know I’ll never forget her
Regina read the poem over and over until her eyes blurred with tears. Hands shaking, she paced the floor of the apartment. It was almost eleven. There was no way to know where Emma had gone and it was too late to call Nathan. Why had she told Leroy she was going to Canada? Did something happen with the book deal? Did something…? Regina gasped and dropped the poem on the table. Immigration!
No wonder Emma had seemed so different after the meeting at the department headquarters! Something must have happened and she didn’t want her to know. What on earth could have tripped her up? She had studied so hard. Was it something Regina said? Richard. Her stomach dropped. He had figured it out after all. He must have tipped them off. She should have known them being separated was a red flag. Her stomach tied in knots thinking about Emma being deported. About never seeing her again. Why hadn’t she been arrested then? How was Emma even allowed to walk out of there?
********************
“We don’t do deals with people who break the law, Miss Swan.” Detective Nolan sat back in his chair dropping his notepad on the table with a heavy smack. “You will be deported immediately and your “wife” will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Please.” Emma implored. “It wasn’t like that. I tricked her. I told her I loved her so she would marry me. She had no idea. Deport me. Tell me I can never come back, but please leave Regina out of it.”
Agent Nolan watched her closely, looking for tell-tale signs of a lie. Being able to spot a liar was something that ran in his family and attributed to his success at this job. “Miss Swan...You love her, don’t you?”
“I do. She’s amazing, and smart and talented and…”
The agent held up his hand cutting her off. Her story was bullshit, but there was no lie in the way she described the other woman with so much passion and fervor. “Do you swear no one else was mixed up in this scam? Just you? What about Nathan Gold? Am I to believe he had nothing to do with this?”
“Yes. It was all my idea. Nathan knew nothing about it. His involvement in my life is purely as my publisher.” Nolan watched the lie flick through her eyes again and frowned. This wasn’t the type of fraud they usually looked for. These women were not criminals looking to cash in on government assistance or committing any other crimes. He hated this part of his job.
“Alright, Miss Swan. I’m not sure why, but I want to believe you. If you’ll agree not to cause a fuss, we will leave Miss Mills out of this. But Emma...we’ll be picking you up first thing in the morning at your hotel. And if you’re not there, we’ll be picking up Miss Mills instead. Is that understood?”
*********************
Finally getting Nathan’s assistant on the phone at seven a.m., Regina raced over to the Cortland Hotel on fifty-seventh street. As the cab pulled up to the towering building, Regina threw a twenty at the driver and jumped out before the wheels even came to a halt. Emma!
Emma stood on the sidewalk with her suitcase as a black car with tinted windows pulled up in front of her.
“Emma!” Regina shouted at the blonde causing her to spin and face her. A sad smile flickered across her face at seeing Regina standing there. Regina closed the space in seconds, her lips finding Emma’s and fitting perfectly into her arms once again.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Regina struggled to control the shake in her voice.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t let this ruin your life. Richard, I think he--” Emma looked over Regina’s shoulder at Agent Nolan who stood inside the open car door fingers tapping on the roof of the black sedan. “It’s okay. I made a deal. You’ll be okay. If I leave now, they’ll leave you alone and AGAU and your job will be safe.”
“I don’t care about that. I care about you…” Regina held Emma’s face in her hands, her brow furrowing. How could this silly woman not see that?
“Let’s go, Miss Swan.” Agent Nolan tapped the roof of the car.
Emma took Regina’s hands in her own pulling down and intertwining their fingers at her waist. “I’ll call you and write to you and maybe I’ll be allowed to come back at some--”
“I don’t want you to go.” Regina’s voice broke.
Emma kissed her again, softly, sweetly and it felt like the end and it felt like the beginning all at once.
Breaking apart, Emma rested her forehead on Regina’s. “Do you still have them?”
Regina reached deep into her pocket and showed Emma the two matching silver bands. One inlaid blue and one purple to represent each other’s favorite colors. A silly notion that now meant everything. “I do.”
Slipping the rings onto each other’s fingers respectively, Emma cupped Regina’s face and brushed a kiss across her lips one more time. “As do I, my love.”
Agent Nolan opened the back door of the car for Emma, who picked up her bag and tossed it inside ahead of her. Turning back to look at Regina she winked at her. “See you again, Sweetcheeks.”
*********************
Later that evening, Regina sat at the dining room table feeling somehow lost and somehow found at the same time. Sunkist purred deeply, curled in her lap as she buried her hand in his soft fur. Aimlessly clicking through the internet her email chimed and she ignored it. On the third chime she finally clicked it open.
R - I know you’re going to ignore the first alert so this one is just to get your attention. -e ;-)
R - read the next one, ok? ;-) -e
My love, - I have landed safely and spoke to Nathan. He was so happy I didn’t turn him in as part of this whole thing that he set me up with an apartment and I’m writing the novel from here. He also mentioned something about your salary being slightly higher than the executive editor’s since you’d be heading an entire department of charitable resources at AGAU starting Monday. Please find attached information on Canadian work visas as well. Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I mentioned you might be interested in relocating north at some point and Nathan didn’t see a problem with you working remotely in your new position, so let me know when I should stock the fridge with chickpeas for you. <3 -e